Certain activities are more hazardous to your oral health than others. For this reason, it’s best to consult with one of our emergency dentists in Holland, MI, if you play a contact sport or engage in another activity that increases your risk of injury. During your appointment, our dentists may recommend that you wear a sports mouth guard to protect your smile.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about the top 10 activities prone to .
1. Basketball
Did you know that basketball is one of the most dangerous sports for your smile? This is because many players don’t wear a sports mouth guard, which increases their risk of fracturing or losing a tooth if they get hit in the mouth.
If you love playing basketball, either as a hobby or professionally, we urge you to consider wearing a custom sports mouth guard. That way, you won’t experience any disruptions to your future games or practices. Not to mention, you’ll be able to safeguard your smile from injury.
2. Hockey
When you combine ice with fist fights, it’s no surprise that hockey players have a much higher risk of losing teeth than other athletes. Since hockey is so intense, players will need to wear mouth guards to avoid dental emergencies.
3. Boxing/MMA
Fighting activities carry a high risk of oral injury. For this reason, it’s mandatory that athletes wear gloves and mouth guards in regulation matches. The mouth guard shields your teeth and gums from impact while the gloves help disperse energy from punches. That way, the blow covers a wider area than a bare fist would. One of the most common dental injuries in boxing and MMA is dislocated jaws.
4. Skateboarding
Most urban athletes don’t want to wear a . This may be because many people don’t realize the risk of performing skateboard tricks. The truth is that skateboarders may easily damage their teeth after colliding with concrete or metal. The solution is to wear a custom mouth guard. That way, you’ll be able to land your ollies, kickflips, and grinds with peace of mind.
5. Football
A helmet may protect your skull, but a blindsided tackle could still knock out your teeth. A mouth guard helps deflect the blow and prevent a dental emergency. That way, you can put all your focus on making the game-winning pass.
6. Snowboarding
Blazing down a mountain or carving up some powder is a great way to have fun. But whether you’re a novice or a professional, winter activities can put you at a huge risk for oral complications. Our dentists in Holland, MI, recommend that all snowboarders, regardless of their experience, wear a sports mouth guard.
7. Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate frisbee has gained popularity over recent years. If you’re an avid player, it may be worth discussing with one of our Holland dentists. During your appointment, they’ll be able to determine if your risk of dental injury is high enough to warrant wearing a sports mouth guard.
8. Biking
It’s a biker’s worst nightmare to fly over the handlebars. That being said, it’s important that you take the proper precautions to ensure such an accident doesn’t result in damage to your smile. A custom mouth guard can help you avoid a potential dental emergency, something you may appreciate if you’re far from home.
9. Hiking/Climbing
We bet you’re surprised to see this activity on our list. While hiking and climbing aren’t as fast-paced as some of the other sports on this list, they may still carry some risk to your oral health. For example, hikers and climbers are at risk for falls and may encounter tree roots, jagged rocks, unstable terrain, and other hazards. A mouth guard can help protect your smile in the event you have an accident.
10. Eating Hard-to-Chew Foods
Sometimes the foods we love can pose the biggest risk to our oral health. For this reason, it’s best to exercise caution when eating hard foods. Chew carefully to avoid chipping teeth or damaging crowns, veneers, and other restorations. Your smile will thank you!
Prevent a Future Dental Emergency
Our , are accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you maintain a healthy smile for life. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lakeshore Dentistry & Implant Center at (616) 399-3946. For non-emergencies, you may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
